Sean Patton would love to live in one of the new apartment complexes multiplying across Sarasota County. But despite a college degree, a steady income and his own business, the rents remain out of financial reach — even for those considered “affordable housing” under a landmark state law.
It’s been nearly a decade since the 33-year-old paid a monthly rent that met experts’ definition of affordable — no more than a third of his income — and even then, it was only because he was splitting the costs with four roommates.
Since he started his environmental consulting business in 2018, Patton’s annual income has fluctuated between $40,000 and $80,000. Yet he finds it hard to live in Sarasota, relying on clients who rent housing to him and his employees at below-market rates…